Christ Church History and Guidebook

This is a photo of the church when the houses and shops along Manchester Rd had been demolished due to the construction of George Green’s School. A special view – the first time you could see the whole church from this angle since its construction, and now no longer. (1970s)

1852 – William Cubitt begins to build Christ Church, at his own expense, on land donated by the Countess of Glengall
1854 – Building work is completed.
1857 – Christ Church is consecrated.
1907 – The current pulpit is installed as part of a significant programme of alteration.
1911 – The original organ is replaced by one built by T.C Lewis of Brixton. Some of the components of the original organ are incorporated into the replacement.
1914 – The painted mural over the chancel arch is completed.
1950’s – The Sanctuary is redecorated with the distinctive red and white wallpaper replacing Victorian wall coverings. The organ is rebuilt by Noel Mander and its console moved from the organ loft to the north transept.
1965 – St John’s Church is closed and the Stations of the Cross, the Lady Chapel Altar, High Altar and St John’s Chapel Altar are moved to Christ Church.
1980’s – The west end of the church is remodelled to provide an office and an upstairs meeting room. Two bays of the crypt are cleared and converted to provide a venue for the Cryptics Youth Club.
1991 – Stained Glass windows that had originated from St Mildred’s Settlement are found in Christ Church, rededicated and installed in the north transept.
2008 – The Crypt is refurbished and fitted with a large kitchen.
2014 – Woodblock flooring, salvaged at the closure of the Docklands Settlement, is laid in the Sanctuary.

Collect:Almighty and ever-living God,
clothed in majesty,
whose beloved Son was this day presented in the Temple,
in substance of our flesh:
grant that we may be presented to you
with pure and clean hearts,
by your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

Hymn:368
Hymn:333
Hymn:64
Be still for the presence of the Lord
Hymn:338

Collect:Almighty Father,
whose Son was revealed in majesty
before he suffered death upon the cross:
give us grace to perceive his glory,
that we may be strengthened to suffer with him
and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

Collect:Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

Collect:Almighty God,
you show to those who are in error the light of your truth,
that they may return to the way of righteousness:
grant to all those who are admitted
into the fellowship of Christ’s religion,
that they may reject those things
that are contrary to their profession,
and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same;
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.